Length of Dominik Szoboszlai's ban explained and Liverpool game he will miss

Dominik Szoboszlai was controversially sent off at the end of Liverpool's defeat to Manchester City, with the midfielder adding to Arne Slot's selection problems

Dominik Szoboszlai faces a ban after being sent off in Liverpool's defeat to Manchester City(Image: Getty Images)

Dominik Szoboszlai will be absent from Liverpool's upcoming fixture at Sunderland after receiving his marching orders against Manchester City.

The Hungary international was dismissed in unusual circumstances after the Liverpool midfielder tracked back alongside Erling Haaland, before tumbling to the turf whilst pursuing Rayan Cherki's attempt. City's French forward believed he'd netted from the halfway line with Alisson Becker stranded, but following VAR's involvement, Craig Pawson reversed the decision.

Szoboszlai was deemed to have prevented a clear goalscoring chance after hauling back the Norwegian during their sprint before the pair became entangled and fell. Pawson chalked off the goal and recalled play after the advantage failed to materialize from the foul on Haaland.

With the dismissal, he will now serve a one-game ban for denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO) rather than three matches for alternative red card violations.

This means he'll remain eligible for next weekend's FA Cup encounter with Brighton and Hove Albion and the journey to Nottingham Forest on February 22, reports the Liverpool Echo.

However, for Liverpool, it represents one fewer option for the trip to the North East, particularly given Szoboszlai has been deployed at right-back. Already, Arne Slot has had to navigate team selection difficulties following injuries to Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong, whilst Joe Gomez has faced his own setbacks.

Dominik Szoboszlai was shown a straight red card after a VAR review for tugging Erling Haaland's shirt.(Image: AFP or licensors)

The Premier League Match Centre stated: "After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of goal to Manchester City. Referee announcement: "After review, there is a careless foul by Erling Haaland, that pulls the shirt of Dominic [sic] Szoboszlai.

"Prior to that, Szoboszlai commits a holding offence that denies an obvious goal scoring opportunity. The final decision is a direct free kick to Manchester City and a red card."

Szoboszlai had put Liverpool in front with just 15 minutes left after a brilliant free-kick. City, though, fought back through Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland in the dying moments to completely reverse the contest.

Silva slipped in behind the Reds backline to poke the ball home before a reckless moment from Alisson Becker saw the Brazilian goalkeeper collide with Matheus Nunes inside the penalty area.

The loss dealt a severe setback to the Reds' Champions League qualification ambitions and leaves Liverpool five points adrift of Manchester United in fourth spot and four behind Chelsea.

Brentford sits level on points with Liverpool following a strong 3-2 victory at Newcastle United, but the Reds stay in sixth place on goals scored.

Liverpool travel to the North East in midweek, but face a Sunderland outfit that remains unbeaten at home this season.